This game is similar to the Marvel RPG, only based off of Ultimate continuity.

RULES:

-Players can choose any hero in the Ultimate Marvel Universe. Players who have proved themselves as good RPer's will also have the option to Ultimize a character, and/or take up a second character. No God-Like characters.

-Everyone exists in the Ultimate Marvel Timeline. No 616 or other alternate items may be used.

-No Killing. Unnamed faceless NPC's may be killed, but not comic characters. Someone else may want to take up the character, or they may be important to another story.

-You can go anywhere on Earth, or travel off planet, but do so within your characters means.

-You are your character, so act like it. Talk like them, use there dialouge. Do not exaggerate your powers, or pop-up here and there without explination.

-Several stories can be going at once, and you have the freedom to interact with other characters.

-No Time Travel.

-You must post at least once every two weeks, though it is preferred that you post more. If you go two weeks without a post without prior notice, your character is up for grabs.

-You must have at least 50 posts on the Hype boards to be eligible to play

-And of course, all regular rules of the Hype apply.

-Have fun.

ULTIMATE MARVEL RPG SIGN-UP FORM

Screen Name:

Character you would like to play:

Powers and a brief description of the character in proper English:

Three reasons why you have chosen that character:

1.

2.

3.

What can you bring to this game?

How many times do you intend on posting a DAY IN the RPG:

Do you know how to post pictures on the hype boards:

Provide a small sample post for your character, about 4 paragraphs with at least one line of dialouge:

“Gentlemen…gentleman…I’d like to take this opportunity to try something new I’ve been toying around with. I’ve really gotten into Dog the Bounty Hunter lately, and I’ve learned a few things. Now, while I’m not a scaredy-cat poser who lets everyone else do the work before smack talking the baddies after they’re in handcuffs, and don’t have an affinity for oddly proportioned woman, I am a fan of his inspirational speeches to try and set those who have wronged on the right course. Now, it may seem like the world has turned its back on you, but…”

“GET BENT, BUG!”

“Actually, it’s arachnid. It’s a common mistake, but quite annoying. Just think how impressed people will be now that you know the difference. Perhaps some night school classes may be of advantage to you as well.”

“YOUR MOTHER!”

* SMAAAACK *

A red-gloved fist smashed squarely into the nose of the purse-snatcher, immediately breaking it.

“Okay, I was trying to be nice, but you just had to push it. Anything else you’d like to say, because I always wondered if I could smash my fist through teeth like glass. You know, like they do in the cartoons.”

The thug bounced back and forth in his web restraints, saying nothing. The lights were on, but nobody was home.

I don't come here as much as I should. Sure, I come here sometimes, but the times are few and far between. I don't know why I don't come... maybe it's because I'm afraid I'll run into someone I once knew while I’m here, or because of the agonizing, gut-wrenching guilt I feel while I'm here. Maybe I couldn't muster the time or will to come during the days when I was the Scarlet Spider. Whatever the reasons were, they don't matter now. What matters is that today, now, I'm here. I'm here with the hard rain pouring onto the black umbrella resting over me on my shoulder. I'm here, leaning against a tree, not quite knowing what to say next.

Sure, if I was the sentimental type, I’d say something meaningful and deep. But, nobody would hear my carefully chosen and thought out words. They would simply sting as they slipped off of my tongue and flow into the open air with the breeze, only to echo with the headstones and neatly trimmed grass.

I stand, still leaning against the tree and take off my suit jacket, sliging it over my shoulder. I close the umbrella and lean it against the tree, putting my jacket on a branch. I step out into the rain, still focusing my eyes on two words.

The rain feels cold and foreign on my hair and forehead as it covers my jeans, sneakers, t-shirt, and open dress shirt.

I open my mouth to say something, but can’t seem to pick the right words. Here, on this dank, rainy day in a small Queens cemetery, only two words are on my mind: power and responsibility.

Power. Something that I didn’t deserve... or earn. And... something that I took for granted. I used my gifts from a spider bite to try and earn some money and popularity. I hurt my uncle in the process, and because of my indignation… my stubbornness, I lost him.

Responsibility. Something that it took the loss of my uncle to gain. It’s a burden that weighs me down each time I slide on my mask.

But that responsibility truly isn’t mine to bear. After all, I’m just a clone. The only successful trial out of many scientific experiments. A month ago, on a particularly devastating night, I came to a sole realization: I don’t belong here. I, Ben Reilly, don’t belong here and neither does the Scarlet Spider.

Somehow, I knew that this would be where my career as a crime-fighter both started and ended.

I’m no crazed vigilante, on a crusade for justice. I’m not a guy in a costume looking for kicks by beating guys up.

No, I’m just a kid. I’m a kid who tried to do the right thing. And now, a month after watching my world implode, I realize it’s time to give it up.

I slip my sleeve up and stare at my wrist. A small, steel web-shooter lies on my, thin, bony arm.

I kneel down and unclip it. I lean it against the side of the tombstone and step back. I softly pat the top of the grave and walk away, grabbing my blazer and umbrella, leaving the grave of Ben Parker behind me.

The cab ride back to my apartment is slow, tiring, and the silence is broken only by my cabbie screaming curses into his headset and the occasional sound of the windshield wipers clearing the windshield.

I pay the cabbie, ignoring the change he attempts to give me.

I step slowly into my apartment and toss my blazer on the leather sofa. I flip on the plasma screen tv and switch to an old Star Trek rerun.

“The Next Generation” is interrupted by my landlady knocking hard on my door and screaming at me shrilly from behind the door.

“Warren? Warren, are you in there?! Your rent is due today and I want it now, Warren!”

I snap my fingers, remembering that rent is always due on the third tuesday of the month.

I sprint into the bedroom and open the closet. Several metal suitcases lie undisturbed in it’s emptiness. I open one of them and throw it onto the bed.

No doubt, it’s all money that my dad…creator, Miles Warren stole from Norman Osborn.

Last time I counted it, there was just over 5.6 million dollars in all of these cases.

Plenty to pay for a 500 dollars a week in rent and take-out.

I take four one-hundred dollar bills out from a stack of cash and walk to the door. Before opening it, I stow one of the hundreds in my back pocket.

I slowly swing the door open and stare at my landlady.

“300 bucks, kid.” She says, sticking her cigarette back in her face.

I hand her the money and get ready to close the door.

“Wait a sec. Where’s Miles?” She mutters, puffing from her cigarette

I slip the other hundred out of my back pocket and put it in her hand, promptly slamming the door.

“For an extra hundred a month, I can keep quite.” I hear her say from the other side of the door.”

I let myself smile slightly and go back to watching Star Trek.

After a few episodes, I look at the clock and see that it’s 11:30 at night.

They’re still talking about the “mysterious super-human occurrence” that happened one month ago.

I turn the TV off, annoyed that, as usual the event is being blamed on Peter.

I hop into bed, and close my eyes.

When I open my eyes again, it’s 9:30 in the morning.

I stand up, out of bed, stretching as I do so.

I pick up the remote for my iPod speakers and press play, turning the volume all the way up.

Well now I found myself Wish I was someone else My heart are stained with love Wish I could take it away

I stretch my back, cracking it several times and crawl along the ceiling to the kitchen. I help myself to a piece of cold pizza as I crawl along the wall towards the bathroom.

I hid behind the shell In time the pain will melt My heart is stained with love Wish I could fake it

After brushing my teeth and showering, I put on a white t-shirt and boxers.

I gave my life away There’s nothing left to say I gave my life away You take it in your way

I slam my fist on a red button on the wall and the windows and blinds close, making the room completely dark. A soft red light begins to glow from the middle of the kitchen as I slide on my remaining web-shooter.

My selfish enemy Still has the best of me Empty and feeling numb Wish I could take it away

Several blue and white targets sprout up from various points in the room. As I cover them with webbing, I leap, spin, and roll through the apartment.

I can’t control the need To weak to not concede Wish I was deaf and dumb Wish I could fake it

I hear faint knocking at my door and cover it with webs.

I gave my life away There’s nothing left to say I gave my life away You take it in your way

As I hit the final target, the lighting returns to normal and the windows open again, signaling the end of my morning workout.

I gave my life away There’s nothing left to say I gave my life away You take it in your way

I take off the sweaty t-shirt and put on a polo and jeans.

I can’t pretend we’re the same I can’t pretend we’re the same I can’t pretend we’re the same

I still hear my landlady punching my door.

Oh now I found myself Wish I was someone else My heart are stained with love Wish I could FAKE

I tie my sneakers, and press the red button on the wall again.

I gave my life away There’s nothing left to say I gave my life away You take it in your way

The targets slide backwards into their storage areas and I grab my blazer. Sliding back to the kitchen, I grab a second piece of pizza and wolf it down. I look out of the window and onto the balcony.

I gave my life away There’s nothing left to say I gave my life away You take it in your way

Jean was back from the dead. Nightcrawler's conscious. Scott proposed to Jean. Warren and Ali are at a funeral. Wolverine is on his way back from London, and Magneto is going to attack the Triskellion and the Ultimates. All I thought when these events popped into my head was...

WHAT THE F**K!

But then again, that's a typical day for an X-Man. My name is Kitty Pryde, but my codename is Shadowcat. I'm a student at the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning, and I'm an X-Man. Right now, I'm in the Danger Room, by myself, practicing my skills to help in the fight against the Brotherhood at the "Trisk".

"Computer. Activate Course 868."

Course 868. Loading in proccess. Mission commense.

I then came face to face with the Blob in a virtual New York.

He gave me sort of a stupid face and said "Uhh. Yous a tiny little thing, ain't ya?"

"Dear Anton Miguel Rodriguez,
Okay, what's with the name? I realize that I can't put 'Tarantula' on the envelope, but since when is Peter Parker Spanish? Anyway, I hope all is well with you. Things have been pretty normal for me - all things considered."

I'm holding hands with Debbie. We've talked a LOT about our relationship status recently. I think we've both reached a point where we feel comfortable being open about it.

"Debbie's doing fine. I wish you could meet her, but I guess with your...'situation,' human contact isn't the easiest thing. It's such a shame because you would like her."

"Well this was fun. Thanks for treating to the movie," Deb states as we reach her house.

"Any time," I reply casually, "You're great company to have around."

Now for the awkward part. You see, even though we've decided to be open about our relationship...we still haven't had our first kiss. I guess it's all in the timing. So when the time comes to drop her off at home, we stand outside her house - basking in the awkward silence until eventually:

"I'll call you tonight," Deb announces as she leans in to hug me. It's bittersweet because a hug just isn't the same...

"Anyway, I'll stop boring you with that stuff, and I'll get to the part you really want to know about: my status on the Ultimates! As you know, I've been a Reserve for the past month. Well, something happened last week."

I'm working out in a sports bra and sweatpants. I'm slowly getting used to women's clothing. Although, I still don't get why women always wear their clothes so tight. Then again, this is coming from the girl who wears spandex. Anyway, my knuckles are taped up and I'm hitting the bag when Nick Fury walks in.

"Am I supposed to salute or go to attention or what?"

Nick just smiles and says, "No, none of that. Listen, I came to talk to you."

I have a feeling I know the answer, but I ask anyway, "Upgrading it to...what exactly?"

"Jessica Drew," he starts, "You are hereby upgraded to full Ultimate status." He extends a hand, but I ignore it and instead hug him. I can tell that Nick isn't used to that kind of response.

"No way! This is crazy! A couple of months ago, I swore I was Peter Parker and now...I'm going to be an Ultimate!"

"How'd you like to go to the Triskelion and meet your new team-mates?" Nick suggests. I nod vigorously. "Let's go then."

"Can you believe it? Your little sister is going to be an Ultimate! You'll be able to see me on the news and everything! I've got to say, this is all helping me cope with the identity thing."

As we approach the Triskelion, I am in complete awe. I never imagined that I'd end up here - especially not as a member of the world famous Ultimates! I was going to be working alongside Iron Man and Captain America! Nothing I'd ever accomplished felt this good.

"A few months ago, I would not have been able to tell you who I really was. But now, the answer seems so simple!"

As soon as I enter those doors, I know instantly that my life has changed forever.

Granted, it was a multi-billion dollar smile that probably shouldn't have been used unless a spokeswoman for Mabelline was in the room, or an actress from "Grey's Anatomy" was greeting him. But given the circumstances, he simply couldn't help it. This was so damned typical that it almost warranted a chuckle.

A SHIELD agent stood infront of him, with Thor at the side, his hammer held above his shoulder. Tony, in full Iron Man armor, could only look over as the SHIELD agent's eyes noticeably darted from side to side, at the two individuals behind him. He was nerve racked, by their prescence. And that's what was probably so funny to Tony... SHIELD agents barely ever even showed a hint of emotion. Part of him felt sick because of that... the other part, well, was trying all that it could to keep Tony from bursting out in a laugh he knew he wouldn't be able to explain.

"...So. Nice weather we're having."

Within seconds, the SHIELD agent had frantically tapped a button on the elevator, and gotten off on the next floor. He probably wasn't even heading for that one... but it was obvious, from the way he had rushed out, that neither Tony or Thor were going to get the chance to ask.

Thor turned, and innocently grinned towards Iron Man.

"I do wonder what that was about."

Iron Man shrugged.

"Couldn't imagine.", The Armored Avenger answered, before reaching up and pulling off his helmet. "Whew. Stuffy, this thing is."

A few moments of silence between the two passed, as they waited for the elevator to reach their floor of the Triskelion. But finally, the self proclaimed Thunder God managed to clear his throat, breaking the tension that could've been sliced into with a knife.

"Permit me a question, Tony.", Thor stated.

"With a face like that, how could I resist?", Tony asked, with a smirk.

"It is just... You seem calm. Nigh, uncaring, of the situation we are about to face. How do you do that? The calmness, I mean."

"Well, quite honestly, Thor...", Tony stated, peering through the lit metal hallways as the elevator door finally propped open, allowing the two entrance to their destination. "There comes a point in a man's life where megalomaniacs and giant monsters threatening the country, even the world, just seem to fit into the routine of things."

"And you reached this point?"

Tony grinned.

"Quite awhile ago, old friend. Quite awhile ago..."

It was in that moment that the two entered a lounge room, and were greeted with quite an impressive sight, by anyone else's standards: Infront of Tony and Thor stood, perhaps, the entire roster of active Ultimates. From Captain America to Wasp to Black Widow, even down to Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch, and uneasily enough, Giant-Man. They all turned, viewing the two as they gave a friendly wave. Tony, however, seemed very fixated on Natasha, as he stood next to her and flashed that billion dollar smile that had seduced many a woman, in Tony's binge days.

"And what a dreadful time it was,", Tony remarked. "Need someone to hold?"

"Quite preverbially in your dreams, comrade."

Tony seemed to mock pain, as he turned away.

"As still as fiesty as ever. My dear, you're going to make some royal king or international assassin a very lucky man, someday."

"Cut the crap, Stark,", Hank Pym interjected. "I don't think any of us are in the mood."

Tony raised an eyebrow.

"And why is that, again?"

Wasp sighed.

"Told you Fury wouldn't tell him upfront."

Now Tony was even more confused. "Well, somebody better start explaining. I'm an expert in technological tactical warfare and writing the world's largest blank checks, not riddles."

"Bet he hasn't told pretty boy Rogers, either.", Giant-Man muttered.

"I too must attest to being in the dark on this, friends...", Thor inclined. "To what do we owe the General such hostility?"

"From what I can piece together from the message sent to my brother and I,", Scarlet Witch stated. "We're adding to our ranks."

Tony's curiousity was not dead, with the answer he had been looking for. Infact, it only seemed to increase, after this bit of news.

"Come again, Wanda, honey?", Tony asked. "I seem to have had a bug in my ear. Did you just say that we've gone from being The Ultimates to being the Draft?"

"Well, I've heard she's nice, so maybe it could turn out for the best."

Tony seemed to perk up, a bit.

"Her, you say?"

"I also heard she's underage, though."

Never once, in the history of the world, did Tony Stark's multi-billion dollar smile fade so fast. But upon a silent thought, Stark only seemed to bounce back from it, resuming the grin with a bit of a sly edge to it.

"Well, in that case... Anyone for Moscow?"

In that moment, General Nick Fury walked into the room, covering a shadowed individual behind him that stood still in the elevator, seemingly under Fury's orders.

"Nick! Fury, you cruel bastard... how dare you. Have you no class, man?"

"Calm down, soldier.", Fury warned.

"I'll do no such thing,", Tony argued. "How dare you enlist female recruitment without so much as a single offer for screentests?"

Fury rolled his one visible eye.

"If we can move on, Tony...", Fury stated, before turning to the team in it's entirety. "Now, first order of buisness. As some of you probably might have heard, the mutant terrorist known as Magneto just broadcasted a worldwide threat, which I won't even go into the fact was a clear message to us, in particular. The broadcast, however, is already spawning a situation of panic in the Middle East that I want a few of you to go down and handle immediately. But first, let me get to the more withstanding matter of intrest..."

The figure behind Fury walked in, further, as a set of long, brown hair seemed to illuminate through the shadows of the elevator. Followed by a noticeable pair of white, bug-like lenses that all of the Ultimates recognised, but were very surprised, upon the figure's full exposure from the darkness.

"Without further adue, let me introduce both the newest and youngest member of the Ultimates, thus far. A Miss Jessica Drew, a.k.a, Spider-Woman."

Deep within the bowls of the Ultimates’ Headquarters, Scorpion sits within one of the many holding cells. He is out of his suit, and his tail has been removed. One of the many changes he has endured over the past month. As he sits on a small wooden chair, chained to the floor inside the white padded room, a woman sits across the room from him. She sits in a chair too, as she repeatedly asks Scorpion the same question.

“What’s your name, honey?”

“Peter Parker.” He responds softly.

“No, honey. Your name. What is your name?” Scorpion pauses as he keeps his head down, staring at the floor.

“Peter…Parker.”

“No, no. Your name is Mac Gargan. Say it.” The woman responds calmly.

“Mac Gargan.” Scorpion responds reluctantly.

“Good, good. Now what is your name?” Scorpion looks up to her and stares. The woman looks back at him with hopeful eyes as he begins to speak.

“Peter Parker.” The woman sits back in her chair, frustrated. She looks over to the mirror in the room, and begins to gather her papers. She gets up from her chair, and walks across the room stopping behind Scorpion.

“Your name is Mac Gargan, honey. Remember that for our next session.” She walks past him and out the door. Outside, she sees Nick Fury watching from the other side of the two-way mirror. He stares at Scorpion sitting inside the room for a moment, and then turns to the woman.

“That reminds me Nick, who is Peter Parker?” Nick Fury hesitates as he turns back to watch Scorpion within the room.

“No one important to you, Ms. Danvers.”

“Look, Nick, it isn’t like we have been sitting on our asses! We’ve tried shock therapy, hypnosis, mind wash, memory implants, everything! But no matter what we do, he still thinks he is this Parker kid!”

“I know what you’ve done, Carol.” He sighs. “Have you tried any medications?” Carol looks at him with a look of disbelief.

“This thing on medication? Isn’t it a little dangerous putting something like this on a highly addictive medication? Not to mention the side-effects and the scenario of if he forgets to take the pills!”

“They are all calculated accidents, Ms. Danvers. Now, I say put him through another session of shock therapy. He seems most responsive to that. Afterward, we’ll start putting him on a non-narcotic, and see if that helps.” Carol Danvers looks at Nick Fury as she watches him turn back to looking at Scorpion in the room. She watches as he seems to have a smile on his face, and she begins to marvel what he is thinking.

“Nick, can I ask you something.” He continues watching Scorpion in the room as he responds.

“Shoot.”

“What do you care so much about this kid?” Nick stays silent, and continues to watch Scorpion in the room.

“Nick?” she asks.

“Good day, Ms. Danvers.” She nods to him, and walks down the hallway. As she reaches the end, she turns back to Nick.

“Don’t try to play God, Nick. It’s just a clone.”

Nick Fury hears her walk out the door as it closes behind her. He smiles as he watches Scorpion sitting back in his chair, looking all around the room.

“I told you I’d have you one day, Peter. This is just the opportunity to test if you are going to be an asset, or a liability in the field.”

Inside the Sanctum Sanctorum, Dr. Stephen Strage reads amongst his many books. As he goes from book to book, Blackheart paces in front of the window in the room. He mumbles to himself as he occasionally looks over to Dr. Strange. Blackheart listens as Dr. Strange occasionally says a spell, and turns with excitement only to discover that it wasn’t the correct spell. Hours pass as Stephen continues to read through his books, and Blackheart paces in front of the window. Soon, Blackheart becomes impatient, and stops. He turns to Dr. Strange, and begins to speak.

“So, Strange. Do you have that spell yet?”

"No, Mr. Blackheart." Blackheart walks towards Dr. Strange as he knocks books off one of the tables in a fit of rage.

“Damn it, Stephen! It’s been a month! How can you not find the spell after a month?”

"Well, it is very difficult to find a spell to keep one out of heaven." Dr. Strange looks at one of his books, and looks back up to Blackheart. "Tell me again why you need the spell."

“Oh, come on, Stephen! It’s not like I havent told you a thousand times. Ghost Rider had a Hydra agent read him his last rites. Now if he dies, he goes to heaven, and this is bad because he is half demon. He can’t go to heaven with a corrupt soul.”

"Oh, yes. That’s right. And your connection to him is?"

“I’m his best friend.” Blackheart smirks. “Just lookin out for my bud.”

"Yes, a noble effort." Strange sighs. "Well, I am sorry to tell you this. I cannot find any spells to keep one from entering heaven."

“That’s too bad, Stephen.” Blackheart walks towards the window. He leans his one arm up against the wall as he looks out through the window.

"Yes, I know. I am sorry, Blackheart."

“No, Stephen. I meant it is too bad for you.”

"What?"

Blackheart turns to Dr. Stange and smiles.

“You see, I’m a demon. And an impatient one at that. And your insolence has really pissed me off.” Blackheart lunges at Dr. Strange. He begins to fire black energy from his hands. Dr. Stange begins moving his hands in various ways and repeating different spells.

"Bolts of Bedevilment!"

The energy blasts begin to disappear, and Dr. Strange’s hands begin to glow. He sends bright energy beams from his hands towards Blackheart. Blackheart holds up his hands and catches the beams in his hands as black smoke burns from his hands.

"Perhaps this one, abomination! Seven Suns of Cinnibus!" A strong energy blasts comes from Dr. Strange’s hands and blasts through his shield. The blast hits Blackheart’s chest, and begins to burn away at his being.

“Ah! Damn it! That burns!” Blackheart turns to smoke and fades away from sight. Dr. Strange stands ready, looking around the room looking for signs of the enemy. “Can’t see me now, can you Stephen?”

"I can always find evil, demon! Light of the All-Seeing Eye of Agamotto!" Blackheart’s silhuotte comes into view, and Dr. Strange fires another energy blast from his hands. It hits Blackheart in the chest, knocking him to the floor. He makes himself visable again as Dr. Strange walks towards him.

“Pretty good, Stephen. But you’re not getting rid of me.”

"I wouldn’t be so sure. Chains of Krakkan!"

”What the-?” Before Blackheart can say another word, he becomes bound in astral chains. He struggles to move as Dr. Strange smiles.

“Damn you!” Blackheart’s body disappears, and all becomes quiet in the room. Dr. Strange lets out a sigh of relief. Suddenly, he hears the sound of someone clapping, and turns around to see Blackheart walking out from behind the curtains by the window.

“Very impressive, Dr. Strange.”

"So, you are able to multiply yourself. This is a trick I won’t be deceived by again!"

“Very well, Stevo.”Blackheart stands ready to fight. He raises his hands as they begin to burn with black fire. “This should be fun.”

"Over the past few years, mutants have been humiliated. We have been experimented upon, run to the ground, and even unwillingly used as assassin slaves by the U.S. Government."

Pictures of Weapon X flashed across the screen. Pictures of mutants being experimented upon.
[I]
"As mutants have tried to find their place in society, the organization known as SHIELD has sent their robotic pets upon us, killing us off as if rodents in the night.

May this be a warning to all those who would repress the progression of Homo Superior: your end is nigh. Nick Fury and his Ultimates will be the first victim of our evolutionary wrath, with many more soon thereafter. Any mutants who attempt to stand against us will be dealt with as traitors, for they are as such. There is no warning. We only offer this as a chance to prepare to meet your maker."

Captain America sat unamused as the video finished. His face was hard as rock, arms folded across his chest.

“Cute.”

“Not exactly the way I think anybody else is describing it,” Fury replied, retracting the screen and bringing the lights back up.

“Let the old man bring his war. If he thinks he’s going to have more luck than the other clowns who have come at us, he’s senile.”

“That’s the thing, man. The other nut jobs that have started crap haven’t had much public support. Shape-shifting aliens bent on human extinction and world domination don’t garner much sympathy. Magneto’s going to have support from the public, mutant and human civilians alike who support his cause, or conspiracy theory whackos looking to get a shot in at the government. We’re treading on a slippery slope here, Cap.”

“So, what do you suggest?”

“First and foremost, we need to strengthen our ranks.”

Fury motioned to the door.

“Let’s go. The team’s assembled and waiting.”

Quote:

Originally Posted by Master Bruce

In that moment, General Nick Fury walked into the room, covering a shadowed individual behind him that stood still in the elevator, seemingly under Fury's orders.

"Nick! Fury, you cruel bastard... how dare you. Have you no class, man?"

"Calm down, soldier.", Fury warned.

"I'll do no such thing,", Tony argued. "How dare you enlist female recruitment without so much as a single offer for screentests?"

Fury rolled his one visible eye.

"If we can move on, Tony...", Fury stated, before turning to the team in it's entirety. "Now, first order of buisness. As some of you probably might have heard, the mutant terrorist known as Magneto just broadcasted a worldwide threat, which I won't even go into the fact was a clear message to us, in particular. The broadcast, however, is already spawning a situation of panic in the Middle East that I want a few of you to go down and handle immediately. But first, let me get to the more withstanding matter of intrest..."

The figure behind Fury walked in, further, as a set of long, brown hair seemed to illuminate through the shadows of the elevator. Followed by a noticeable pair of white, bug-like lenses that all of the Ultimates recognised, but were very surprised, upon the figure's full exposure from the darkness.

"Without further adue, let me introduce both the newest and youngest member of the Ultimates, thus far. A Miss Jessica Drew, a.k.a, Spider-Woman."

In the past few weeks, you've come from Genosha to New York city to hunt down mutants. You got yourself a nice little hotel room and played kissy-face with the receptionist from the hotel's front desk. Lucky for you, there was a massive alien invasion which nearly resulted in the end of the world, and sent the city itself into a state of fear. Making the most of your trip to the city and the panic ensuing the alien attack, you broke in a S.H.I.E.L.D. outpost and stole a list of every documented mutant that S.H.I.E.L.D has encountered. Reveling in your new-found list, you decided to pay the X-Men a visit at their X-Mansion. Sneak around a little, plant a few bombs on their jet; same old song and dance. After blowing the place to smithereens, encountering Thor, and attempting to gain the trust of the X-Men, you were hired by a 4-kinds-of-crazy scientist and tracked down his kid for him. The guy gave you a drug, and told you you'd wake up on a city rooftop.

And as daunting as all of that was by itself, you had to go and have a psychotic, bad-lsd-trip style dream while you were knocked out. What's worse is that in this dream you were introduced to another version of yourself. The Deadpool you encountered in your dream told you that you exist on a message board and that you were a special character, because you had broken down the "4th wall" -- the barrier of illusion between the characters and the audience.

Does'at about sum it up?.

I sit on the rooftop that Dr. Seuss dropped me on and roll my neck.

What a ****ing week. I think as I get up slowly, still aching from the effects of the drug I had.
Whatever Warren put in that stuff shouldn't be, and probably isn't, legal. He could send that stuff to Abu Grab.

As I stand on the rooftop, still getting my bearings, the world around me erupts in a flash of light.

I stand, puzzled.

Either a nuclear bomb just went off, or...

I can't think of any other explanation.

That is, of course until the whispering voice from my dream rings clear in my head."Now... Where were we? Ah, yes. The breaking of the fourth wall.... Wadey Wilson wasn't keen on stupid people, nor was he keen on people who were especially smart. He liked people who could explain things in a way he could understand. For example, there was one character he had met in his travels who was quite charming and easy to talk to.

Putting it simply, that character was him.

See, Deadpool knows about RPG's. He knows about nerds, and he knows how confusing the "Ultimate" universe can be.

Wadey Wilson, I'd like to welcome you to Season IV of the Ultimate Marvel RPG"

"My god! Shut up. Just shut up. Please, your voice is as loud as a bell." I scream aloud.

Wait a second.

"My font color has changed." I mutter.

"How do I know that?" I ask. The again, the answer is clear to me.

"You've broken the 4th wall, remember?" The voice in my head says.

"Right, right. 4th wall. Illusion, audience, nerds. I remember. What was that flash?" I ask.

"When you woke up, you were in Season III of the game. Now you're in season IV. That flash of light was both the transition between the two seasons, and accelerated time by one month for everyone in the game."

"Everyone else, you mean. Why wasn't I affected?" I realize how stupid the question is as soon as I ask it. "Breaking the fourth wall. Right."

It's strange.

Some how I'm able to visualize what's going on around me.

It's not the Matrix and Neo's code vision, but...

Wait a sec...

"Does this... like... make me "The One?" I ask the voice.

No response.

"Only one way to find out!" I say, drawing my pistol.

I open my hand and hold it in front of me.

I place the barrel of the gun on the back of my open hand.

I close my eyes tightly and look away.

BANG

I open my eyes and look at my hand.

The black glove appears to be fine.

...Until dark red blood seeps onto the fabric.

That's when it hits me."JESUS CHRIST, THERES A HOLE IN MY HAND!" I scream, clutching my bloodied and broken appendage.

"Owowowowow! Note to self:" I scream, "YOU ARE NOT "THE ONE"!!"

My thoughts become erratic, and the Size 1 Verdana font representing them isn't even close to being able to describe the pain I feel.

Size 1 Verdana?

How the hell would I know that?

"I don't care!!" I say aloud, answering my own question.

As if on cue, the door leading into the building slowly opens.

I stumble through it and find a sole room.

Within the room is a metal table, a metal chair, and a laptop computer.

On the corner of the table is a medical kit with a note attached to it."Thought this would come in handy for your hand.

It's a pun.

-SSF!

P.S.: This is the last time I'm helping you out, so get in the game."

I crush the note and throw it to the ground. I tear open the medkit and start bandaging my hand.

After a few minutes, my hand is in pain, still bleeding, but out of any immediate danger.

"What's on the computer?" The voice in my head asks.

"How the hell would I know? In case you missed it, I just blew a hole in my hand."I reply.

The voice ceases, but its question sparks curiosity in me. I sit down at the computer and find that it's a mac.

"Ugh. Mac? Screw this. I hate Mac." I stand up from the table and turn around, only to see that the door has been replaced with a giant, flat, Macintosh computer logo.

"Oh... ha... ha... ha." I say sitting back down.

I open the computer and as soon as the screen illuminates, I'm taken to the internet.

As soon as I see the homepage, the laptop's purpose becomes crystal clear.

"Jessica, it's very important that you listen to me right now,"Nick tells me. I nod, and he continues. "This whole clone situation is to be kept under wraps. We're tying off the loose ends. We fixed up your buddy, Scorpion; we've recruited you; Peter Parker is back to living his normal life; Tarantula is living in the shadows; the Scarlet Spider is out there somewhere; and Miles is dead."

My head shoots up at the last words.

"Yep...looks like your buddy Scarlet Spider left Miles for dead in that torture chamber," he explains. I should be elated, but in typical Nick Fury fashion, it feels as though there's something he's not telling me. I brush it off at the thought that Miles might have received some justice for his crimes...

"What does all this mean, Fury?" I ask. It's the first time I've spoken in a while. Until now I've been drinking it all in.

"As far as your teammates are concerned, you're Jessica Drew, and Jessica Drew alone. You have no connection to Peter Parker - except the similarity in powers. Got it?"

"You want me to lie to the Ultimates?!" I exclaim.

Nick shakes his head. "It's not...lying, persay. Just giving a simple cover story is all...it's easier than explaining that cloning mess."

I bite my tongue. I'm not excited about lying about myself right off the bat. "What cover story?"

Nick hands me a necklace with a spider-shaped pendant on it. "You discovered an ancient relic - an amulet that once belonged to the Spider Society. As soon as you put the amulet on, you gained all the abilities of the spider."

"Sounds like a load of crap to me," I state while slipping the necklace underneath my suit.

"And saying that you were bitten by a radioactive spider doesn't?" Nick asks while raising an eyebrow. I shrug, and then the elevator stops. "Stay behind me for a minute."

"If we can move on, Tony...now, first order of buisness. As some of you probably might have heard, the mutant terrorist known as Magneto just broadcasted a worldwide threat, which I won't even go into the fact was a clear message to us, in particular. The broadcast, however, is already spawning a situation of panic in the Middle East that I want a few of you to go down and handle immediately. But first, let me get to the more withstanding matter of intrest..."

Fury nods to me, and I step out from behind him. From behind the lenses, I can see the confused look on all the Ultimates' faces.

"Without further adue, let me introduce both the newest and youngest member of the Ultimates, thus far. A Miss Jessica Drew, a.k.a, Spider-Woman."

I smile, but then quickly realize that I'm wearing a mask and thus my smile can't be seen. So I raise a hand in a friendly gesture and simply respond, "Hi."

“None the less, it is a pleasure to have some fresh blood on the team.”

Thor looked Spider-Woman over. His face crinkled ever so slightly, as if he were pondering something.

“Well, Miss Drew, if you do not mind me asking, how did you come to obtain your powers?”

I swallow. Here comes the deceit...

"Well, I stumbled across an ancient amulet," I explain. I reach into my costume and pull out the necklace Fury gave me moments ago. "Apparently, by wearing it, I pledged myself to some secret Spider Society."

And with an airy wave of my hand, I add, "One thing leads to another...and soon I've got powers and a suit..."

I'm so glad the Ultimates can't see my eyes underneath the mask. They'd probably give me away. I turn to Fury, but he of course does nothing - seeing as how that would be too obvious.

"Well, I stumbled across an ancient amulet," I explain. I reach into my costume and pull out the necklace Fury gave me moments ago. "Apparently, by wearing it, I pledged myself to some secret Spider Society."

And with an airy wave of my hand, I add, "One thing leads to another...and soon I've got powers and a suit..."

I'm so glad the Ultimates can't see my eyes underneath the mask. They'd probably give me away. I turn to Fury, but he of course does nothing - seeing as how that would be too obvious.

"Besides, Spider-Man doesn't have anything on me!"

Tony had thought he had heard everything, when the young woman began to explain her beginnings. But by the time she finished, it was more than a little evident that he was very much wrong. He couldn't even remember how many times his eyebrow shot up, as the story had went along, being told by a young girl who was obviously as surprised to be here as the team was surprised to see her. But after a moment, Tony simply grinned.

"And who says the new generation of heroes don't have flair?", Tony responded, before outstretching an iron-clad hand, holding his helmet under his arm with the other. "Tony Stark, my dear. Iron Man, as you're probably well aware by now. And might I just say it's quite an interesting gimmick, you've got going there. You may even pull it off better than the one in Queens."

Tony had thought he had heard everything, when the young woman began to explain her beginnings. But by the time she finished, it was more than a little evident that he was very much wrong. He couldn't even remember how many times his eyebrow shot up, as the story had went along, being told by a young girl who was obviously as surprised to be here as the team was surprised to see her. But after a moment, Tony simply grinned.

"And who says the new generation of heroes don't have flair?", Tony responded, before outstretching an iron-clad hand, holding his helmet under his arm with the other. "Tony Stark, my dear. Iron Man, as you're probably well aware by now. And might I just say it's quite an interesting gimmick, you've got going there. You may even pull it off better than the one in Queens."

"Yeah, I mean...no offense to Spider-Man - seeing as how he's been doing this longer than I have but - he's a little whiny, isn't he?" I suggest to my teammates. I try and repress my smile. If they only knew...

"So, judging by the giant hammer, I'm going to assume that you're not Captain America," I joke with the guy who addressed me first. "Thor, right?"

"Well, I stumbled across an ancient amulet," I explain. I reach into my costume and pull out the necklace Fury gave me moments ago. "Apparently, by wearing it, I pledged myself to some secret Spider Society."

And with an airy wave of my hand, I add, "One thing leads to another...and soon I've got powers and a suit..."

I'm so glad the Ultimates can't see my eyes underneath the mask. They'd probably give me away. I turn to Fury, but he of course does nothing - seeing as how that would be too obvious.

"Besides, Spider-Man doesn't have anything on me!"

"An ancient amulet, you say?"

Thor briefly took the medallion in his hand.

"Never in all my teachings on Asgard did the All Father mention such an amulet, or a Spider Society. This is very...intriguing. Perhaps we can talk at lengths about this later."

“Mystical amulet,” Captain America whispered to Fury. “How long did it take you to come up with that one?”

“Took the boys upstairs less than a day.”

“Yes, dear, it’s nice to ‘meet’ you. I hate to cut the pleasantries short, but we need to address this Magneto situation.”

“Agreed, though it seems the government most of you so feverishly pledge your loyalty to have had more than a hand putting us in this situation.”

“Yes, the United States had made it’s fair share of mistakes, and committed more than a few faux pas against those who are different, but there are civil means of working out these problems, Goldylocks. You didn’t see MLK brandishing an uzi during the Million Man March, did you?”

“What’s the Million Man March?” Cap whispered to Iron Man.

“But your Civil Rights movement still did not solve all of the racial problems in the country.”

“What’s the Civil Rights Movement?”

“Magneto doesn’t want equality. He wants all or nothing. He wants Homo sapiens extinguished, with a few saved for his personal slaves. It’s Hitler and the Third Reich all over again. You ready for the Triskelion to be converted to a concentration camp?”

“OK, I understood that.”

“Touché, Nicholas. So, what do you suggest for our first course of action.”

“I don’t know about the rest of you, but it sure would help to know where the Brotherhood is holed up.”

"Never in all my teachings on Asgard did the All Father mention such an amulet, or a Spider Society. This is very...intriguing. Perhaps we can talk at lengths about this later."

“Mystical amulet,” Captain America whispered to Fury. “How long did it take you to come up with that one?”

“Took the boys upstairs less than a day.”

“Yes, dear, it’s nice to ‘meet’ you. I hate to cut the pleasantries short, but we need to address this Magneto situation.”

Oh crap, they're suspicious. I knew Nick should've come up with something more original than a 'mystical amulet.'

"Yeah, I suppose we'll have time to talk later."

Quote:

“Agreed, though it seems the government most of you so feverishly pledge your loyalty to have had more than a hand putting us in this situation.”

“Yes, the United States had made it’s fair share of mistakes, and committed more than a few faux pas against those who are different, but there are civil means of working out these problems, Goldylocks. You didn’t see MLK brandishing an uzi during the Million Man March, did you?”

“What’s the Million Man March?” Cap whispered to Iron Man.

“But your Civil Rights movement still did not solve all of the racial problems in the country.”

“What’s the Civil Rights Movement?”

“Magneto doesn’t want equality. He wants all or nothing. He wants Homo sapiens extinguished, with a few saved for his personal slaves. It’s Hitler and the Third Reich all over again. You ready for the Triskelion to be converted to a concentration camp?”

“OK, I understood that.”

“Touché, Nicholas. So, what do you suggest for our first course of action.”

“I don’t know about the rest of you, but it sure would help to know where the Brotherhood is holed up.”

"Excuse me," I interrupt, "But if we're trying to find the Brotherhood...maybe we should talk with the X-Men."

Charles Xavier opened his eyes and looked around at the plush office. Something seemed wrong. There was something so peculiar about all this...

"Now please try to understand, Mr. and Mrs. Xavier... this is whole situation may not be as bad as you think."

The man who spoke was a grey-bearded barrel of a man. The nameplate on his desk identified him as Dr. Campbell. He was speaking to two people who ought to be dead. Mr. and Mrs. Xavier... Charles' parents.

"Now settle down, Mr. Xavier. Schizophrenia is not the debilitating disease you make it out to be. Treatment is available and our doctors here can certainly--"

"Your doctors? This is a mad-house! No son of mine will be made to live in a mad-house!"

"Wait! What's going on?"

"I assure you, Mr. Xavier, that Violet Fields is no mad-house. We can help young Charles here, and when we're through with him, he'll be just like any other boy."

Charles looked down at his body and was startled to find that he was smaller. He was in fact, a child once again.

"Hey! What... what the hell...?"

"They can't hear you, Charles." A voice called from the other side of the room. "Surely you must have realized as much. After all, you're a smart one."

Charles regarded the slim, elderly man and was puzzled. He furrowed his brow.

"Really, I'm surprised at you, Charles! Trying to read my mind without permission! How very unethical!"

Charles gave up his attempt and instead began asking questions.

"Who are you? And what is this place? How did I get here?"

"My name is Lot. I must say, I'm saddened that you don't remember me."

"Remember you?"

"Yes. You see Charles, you and I used to be very good friends where you were younger. In fact, I worked at this very hospital. It was I who coached you through your bleakest times... when you were still finding out who you were."

Charles thought back. He reached as deep into his past as he could. He felt some dim recognition... like a spark that refuses to create a flame. He realized the effort was hopeless and moved on.

"Why are we here?"

"I'm afraid you've had a bad accident, Charles. Some sort of cerebral sabotage. Nasty work. You, my friend, are in a coma."

"And why are you here? This is a memory of mine... but you weren't in it."

"I know that, Charles. But I'm here now and that's what matters. Although we haven't seen eachother in years, I suddenly felt you needed me. I used my psychic abilities to reach you. Though others failed, your coma could not prevent me from establishing a link."

"But of course! After all, it was I who was assigned to treat you. It was I who helped you understand that your condition, much like my own, was not schizophrenia at all. How odd that you don't remember... perhaps your coma has clouded certain bits of your past."

Charles sat in his eight-year-old body and watched his parents argue with Dr. Campbell. He could see the dissapointment in their eyes. The shame. They hated him for being flawed. He was an embarassment to them.

"Excuse me," I interrupt, "But if we're trying to find the Brotherhood...maybe we should talk with the X-Men."

It's kind of nerve-wracking giving advice to the Ultimates.

"After all, the enemy of my enemy and all that..."

The mood in the room suddenly got very cold. Cap looked around at his teammates. The Ultimates and the X-Men were far from even cordial aquiantances, and nobody was thrilled at the thought of making a call to Westchester.

"Yeah, well, the X-Men don't exactly have an open door policy for us. Every time my crew here meets up with Xavier's boys..."

The mood in the room suddenly got very cold. Cap looked around at his teammates. The Ultimates and the X-Men were far from even cordial aquiantances, and nobody was thrilled at the thought of making a call to Westchester.

"Yeah, well, the X-Men don't exactly have an open door policy for us. Every time my crew here meets up with Xavier's boys..."

"...we end up shooting each other."

This is exactly what I was afraid of.

"That's crazy! I've been around them before, and they seem fine - especially Kitty Pryde," I state. I have to be careful about my wording. If I openly talk about my friendship with Kitty, I might raise more suspicion. Besides the fact that Kitty has no clue who Jessica Drew is.

"Look, if anyone can find the Brotherhood, it's the X-Men. I'm sure if we stress the urgency of the situation..." I trail off. I don't want to go against the grain on my first day, but I know that we can't stop Magneto without the X-Men's help.

Jean was back from the dead. Nightcrawler's conscious. Scott proposed to Jean. Warren and Ali are at a funeral. Wolverine is on his way back from London, and Magneto is going to attack the Triskellion and the Ultimates. All I thought when these events popped into my head was...

WHAT THE F**K!

But then again, that's a typical day for an X-Man. My name is Kitty Pryde, but my codename is Shadowcat. I'm a student at the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning, and I'm an X-Man. Right now, I'm in the Danger Room, by myself, practicing my skills to help in the fight against the Brotherhood at the "Trisk".

"Computer. Activate Course 868."

Course 868. Loading in proccess. Mission commense.

I then came face to face with the Blob in a virtual New York.

He gave me sort of a stupid face and said "Uhh. Yous a tiny little thing, ain't ya?"

I stood poise.

"And you, not so much."

He then grew angry.

"Da That's it X-Tyke! You are about to be squashered!"

I felt confident.

"Bring it on, tubby!"

Then he yelled and started his charge at me...

While Blob continued his rush, I stood in place. I knew what I was doing.

"RRGHAARGGHH!!"

The Blob jumped at me, but he ended up phasing through me and crashing into the building behind. I turned in his direction.

"C'mon lardass! You can do better than that!"

Blob then recovered and then jumped up in the air to try a body slam.

SMACK!

Blob's stomach hit the ground. Hard.

"Ha. Got you now."

Blob stood up and looked down.

"Huh. Where'd you go?"

Faster than he could realize, I then shot up from the ground and gave him a good uppercut to the face.

"Right here! Now, it's my turn."

I quickly placed my hand on the ground where he stood, then he fell through like butter. He was trapped up to his man-boobs in the ground.

"Da. Ugh. Hey! That's not fair."

"Tough. You lose, buddy. Toad put up a better fight than you."

I looked at him and could feel victory, but then my mind wandered a little bit. My win didn't feel as good as I thought it would feel. All I felt was like I was pathetic. Everyone's is talking strategy on how to beat Magneto, and what was I contributing. Fighting holographic Brotherhood members. Yeah, that's a real contribution, Kitty. Nice job. I was pathetic. I'd probably just slow everyone down, or get in the way. I then turned to look at Blob and then...

BOOM!

Blob escaped his inprisonment. The pavement couldn't hold up against his might. Then he tried to attack. I couldn't do anything. I felt numb, like I was facing death in the face, but I heard a ray of hope...

System override in process. Course cancelled.

The Blob froze along with everything else, then everything dissapated. The room was back to normal. I was so relieved, until I started wondering who overrided the computer? Jean? Kurt? Then a chill went down my spine as my question was answered when Storm's voice came over the Danger Room intercom.

My opinion the purest of the elements. Fire can't be corrupted or polluted like the others. Iv always felt a kinship with the flame, ever sence I was a kid. And I thought that the flame felt the same way cause no matter how hard I tried the fire would never burn me, it would never even be hot. Ofcourse I know now why that was but even so I still feel a closeness to fire.

The man known simply as Pyro sit silently as the bus slowly comes to a stop. Pyro looks out his window and slowly gets up seeing that this is his stop. He glares through his googles at the other passengers and watches their reaction to his clothes and his burned features. He steps off the bus and heads towards the small diner across the street. He walks in and steps up to the counter ignoring the gasps of surprise. The waitress doesnt flinch as she walks up to him and smiles.

"What can I get ya?"

"A coffee to go."

"Im sorry but its cold."

"Doesnt matter, I'll still take it."

As the waitress pours the coffee into a styrofoam cup Pyro grabs a bad of doritos of a small rack and sets it on the counter.

"Anything else?"

He throws a ten on the counter and takes the coffee and chips.

"Thats all, keep the change."

He sits down on a bench outside and pulls the lid off the top of the cup. Suddenly the coffee starts to bubble and steam rises from the cup.

"There."

He opens the chips and stuff them into his pocket as he gets up and heads over to a nearby pay phone. He sets the down the coffee and starts scanning the phone book looking for the address to his next destination.

"Found it."

He tears the page out of the book and stuffs it into his pocket beside the open bag of chips as he slowly leaves the diner behind.

Two hours later......

"Wow, its bigger than I thought is would be."

He stands at the front gate as he stares at the mansion. He notices that there isnt a lock on the gate.

"I guess I just let myself in."

He pushes the gate open and heads up the small road leading up to the front door. He quickly straightens up his suit and wipes away the dust and dirt.

"Here goes nothing."

He reaches out and rings the doorbell thats situated below a small plack that reads "The Xavier Institute for Gifted Youngsters".

Deep within the gut of Triskelion, there lay the form of Dr. Robert Bruce Banner. His slender form was limp against the hard surface that was supplied for a so-called "bed". Yet when Bruce opened his eyes, he felt as if he belonged...that he should be caged in such a way. His thoughts psychologically tortured him, reminding him of the monstrosity that dwelled beneath his skin.

"My God....what have I done?"

Bruce awoke with a gasp, and a stream of tears. The casualties....the destruction, were all coming back to him. The fight against Wolverine was obviously lost, but Bruce also managed to hinder the savage being from causing any more chaos, from a mental aspect. The feeling was....incredible, and even though he still posessed the power of the Hulk, he could control it, and control him. Standing up, he caught a blurred vision of his spectacles lying on the ground, and he placed them on his nose. A ragged sleeve came upward to wipe the moisture from his face.

Now, with better vision, he observed the containment cell. It was made of pure adamantium, along with other precious metals. The cage hummed with electricity, most likely set to the highest voltage possilble, along with other energies, knowing S.H.I.E.L.D.. He had to learn to maintain control, and find the heroism in the Mr. Hyde that inhabited his soul.

The jaded brute lingered in the back of his mind, as the scrawny Banner faced him. It was the epitome of everything that he wasn't. Tall, muscular beyond the extreme, and...secure. His goal was to become one with the creature...binding the two personas. Such a task would take time, but Bruce was motivated to prove that he was not the animal they said he was. Perhaps, with vigorous meditation, he could harness the beast at his own will, by the use of adrenaline; and of course, the anger that triggers the metamorphosis.